Southwestern Florida officer’s 1954 death finally recognized

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) _ Some former and current police officers in southwest Florida are trying to get more recognition for an officer slain in 1954.

Carl Strickland was the first black police officer in Naples. He was killed after breaking up a fight after just a month on the job.

Until last week, he wasn't included in any memorial to fallen officers.

Two former Naples police chiefs and a current Naples police officer want to add Strickland's name to state and national police memorials.

On Monday, Strickland's name was added to the Officer Down Memorial Page, www.odmp.org.

The officers hope someone has a picture of Strickland that can be added to the website. They're also trying to have Strickland's name added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial wall in Washington, D.C.